Buffalo chicken meatballs are a bold and flavorful twist on a classic party favorite, combining the zesty heat of Buffalo wings with the comforting bite of tender, juicy meatballs. Perfect for game day, casual get-togethers, or even weeknight dinners, they bring all the excitement of a crowd-pleasing appetizer in a bite-sized, mess-free form.
The heart of these meatballs lies in their flavor profile. Ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to beef or pork while still being rich enough to soak up spices and seasonings. Garlic, onion, and a hint of paprika often build the savory base, while the star of the show is, of course, the Buffalo sauce. Tangy, spicy, and buttery, it clings to the meatballs, coating them in a fiery glaze that delivers just the right level of heat.
Texture is just as important as taste. A good Buffalo chicken meatball is tender and moist on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside, allowing the sauce to grip without making them soggy. Each bite is a satisfying mix of juicy meat, bold spice, and that unmistakable Buffalo kick. For those who love a creamy contrast, ranch or blue cheese dressing is the natural companion, offering a cooling balance to the heat.
These meatballs are also incredibly versatile. Serve them as a centerpiece appetizer with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or build them into sliders for a fun spin on game day food. They pair beautifully with celery and carrot sticks, echoing the traditional Buffalo wing platter, but can also be enjoyed over rice, stuffed into wraps, or tossed into salads for a lighter meal with plenty of flavor.
What makes Buffalo chicken meatballs so appealing is their ability to take something familiar and reimagine it in a new way. They carry the spirit of a beloved American classic but make it portable, shareable, and just a little easier to eat. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, these fiery little bites are a surefire way to bring energy and excitement to the table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken lean
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs plain
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce plus extra for serving
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, 1/4 cup buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from oven and toss the cooked meatballs in additional buffalo sauce, if desired.
- Serve immediately with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, if desired.
Nutrition
I dunno, they didn’t really taste like buffalo chicken to me. Maybe too much bread crumbs?
I found them really bland too. You sure you used enough buffalo sauce? I used like, double and they turned out way better!
I disagree! I thought they were delicious! The buffalo sauce really made it pop. Maybe you just need to adjust the recipe a bit.
Made these for my kids. They devoured them! Will definitely make again. 😍
Yummy!!! 😋 My husband loved them. Thank you!
Super easy to make. I love chicken and this is just yum!
Taste very well! But I forgot garlic… 🤦♂️
Meatballs? More like dustballs! Flavor’s okay, but needed more kick. 🥵
This is not how you make Buffalo anything. In Buffalo we use real sauce, not that store bought stuff!
Had no celery sticks, used carrots instead. Still tasty!
Carrots are a great swap! Glad you liked it! 😊
These were awesome! Perfect spice level.
The recipe was easy to follow, but my meatballs fell apart! Should I add more egg?
Nah, I think it’s cuz of the chicken. Chicken can be tricky. Maybe mix in some more bread crumbs instead?
You might want to add another egg or try using some grated cheese to help them stick together. Good luck!